Chapter Six: Dividing the Drumsticks

Lin Sangqian was momentarily stunned, and a surge of emotion welled up in her heart. She had always longed for an older brother who would protect and pamper her, but as her parents’ first child, that wish had been impossible. Unexpectedly, she now found herself with three doting older brothers all at once, becoming the cherished center of their family. This feeling was simply… exhilarating!

Lin Hongda and Liao Shuxia looked on from the side, deeply gratified. Lin Sangqian and Liao Shuxia returned to the kitchen, lifting the lid of the pot for a peek. The aroma of chicken and mushrooms grew even richer, and this time, not only Liao Shuxia but even Lin Sangqian herself felt her mouth water.

“We’ll need to wait a little longer,” Lin Sangqian said. “Mom, slice half a bundle of bok choy.”

After all, there were six people in the family. Even though the chicken and mushroom stew would fill a large basin, it might not be enough, so she planned to make a stir-fried garlic bok choy as well.

Liao Shuxia agreed readily and set to work. Though her cooking skills were average, her knife work was excellent. She quickly chopped the bok choy, separating the stalks from the leaves.

Meanwhile, Lin Sangqian had finished peeling garlic. She crushed it with the knife, adding half to the stalks, half to the leaves, along with salt and a touch of sugar.

Once the wok was hot, she poured in the oil, tossed in the stalks for a quick stir-fry, then added the leaves, stirring briskly over high heat.

Soon, the bok choy was done. She scooped it out to drain, then arranged it on a plate—a vivid green, glistening with garlic, bursting with fragrance.

But with the chicken and mushroom stew, Liao Shuxia’s interest in the bok choy was mild; her eyes were fixed longingly on the pot of stew.

After another while, the chicken and mushrooms were perfectly cooked. Lin Sangqian uncovered the pot, found a large basin, and together with Liao Shuxia, transferred the stew.

A full basin of chicken and mushrooms, so tempting it made their hearts race.

“Da Gouzi, come in and carry the dishes!” Liao Shuxia called out, as was her habit.

Lin Hongda responded immediately, entering the kitchen. When he saw the basin of chicken and mushrooms, his eyes went wide with excitement and he swallowed audibly, quickly picking up the basin and hurrying out.

He could hardly wait to begin the meal.

Lin Sangqian carried the garlic bok choy, Liao Shuxia brought the rice, and together they left the kitchen and entered Lin Sangqian’s room.

Their home had only three rooms: one for Lin Hongda and his wife, one for the three brothers, and one for Lin Sangqian. There was no extra space for dining, so meals were always taken in Lin Sangqian’s room.

The three brothers were already waiting, the table set and ready.

As soon as the chicken and mushroom stew and garlic bok choy entered the room, the three brothers were dumbfounded—faces filled with astonishment, longing, and excitement.

These two dishes were rich in color, aroma, and flavor, and there was plenty for everyone.

Since birth, it seemed they had never had such a sumptuous meal.

Lin Hongda carefully placed the basin on the table, and the brothers crowded around. Lin Beitao swallowed, puzzled, and asked, “Mom, when did your cooking get so good?”

Liao Shuxia had always cooked for the family. Granted, their ingredients were limited, but her skills were also nothing special.

How had she managed such dishes today?

“Mom’s improved!” Liao Shuxia laughed it off. “Come, let’s eat!”

Lin Sangqian had just set the garlic bok choy on the table when a wave of dizziness washed over her. She staggered, nearly falling.

Fortunately, Lin Wenyan rushed over and caught her.

“Little sister, are you alright?” Lin Wenyan called anxiously, his voice trembling.

Everyone else looked over, their faces filled with concern.

“I… I’m fine, really,” Lin Sangqian managed, recovering as she sank into a chair. “I just haven’t eaten in so long—I’m starving.”

Her body was already weak, and after days without food, she had held out for a while after arriving in this world. If she didn’t eat soon, she might end up like the original owner—starved to death.

“Let’s eat!” Lin Hongda hurried to serve rice, and Lin Yanbei went to help. After filling six bowls, the family sat down, six pairs of chopsticks reaching for the basin of chicken and mushrooms.

The chicken was tender and falling apart, its flavor rich and savory—an exquisite pleasure for the taste buds.

The mushrooms, soaked in broth, were silky and delicious—a matchless taste.

Even the garlic bok choy was crisp and refreshing, perfect with rice.

For a while, the only sounds in the room were the clatter of bowls and chopsticks, and the soft noise of chewing. No one bothered with conversation, lost in the delight of good food.

Halfway through the meal, they began chatting in bits and pieces.

Lin Sangqian had just stuffed a big mouthful of rice when she noticed a chicken drumstick appear in her bowl.

Looking up, she saw Lin Beitao smiling at her. “Little sister, you’re weak—eat more.”

Her heart was moved. Then she saw Lin Wenyan pick up the remaining drumstick and place it in Liao Shuxia’s bowl. “Mom, you’ve worked so hard for us—you deserve this drumstick.”

Liao Shuxia was overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes turning red. “Such good sons!”

While mother and daughter were touched, Lin Hongda felt a pang of sadness.

It wasn’t that he wanted to compete for the drumsticks, but his sons seemed not to see him at all!

Oh dear, all because of the original owner—he had failed as a father!

Lin Sangqian noticed his disappointment. She couldn’t ignore her father, nor did she want her brothers to miss out on the drumsticks. After thinking for a moment, she said, “It’s rare for us to have chicken. Everyone should get a drumstick.”

With that, she used her chopsticks to tear pieces of meat from the drumstick.

Liao Shuxia did the same, pulling meat from hers and placing some in each bowl.

The brothers looked at the drumstick meat in their bowls, their eyes quietly reddening.

In their hearts, they swore to themselves: one day, they would succeed, earn lots of money, and give their mother and little sister a good life!

Lin Sangqian silently resolved as well: now that the three of them had come to this place, with the help of the system space, she would lead her three brothers to prosperity. Drumsticks? In the future, each bowl would have one!

The basin of chicken and mushrooms and the plate of garlic bok choy were both polished off, not a grain of rice left.

All six slumped in their chairs, rubbing their satisfied stomachs.

The three brothers weren’t completely full—they were teenagers, growing rapidly, and their appetites were bigger than most.

Still, compared to their days of eating cornbread and pickled vegetables at every meal, this was a vast improvement.

Wanting to show his worth, Lin Hongda volunteered to wash the dishes. Lin Sangqian, still young and worn out, was already feeling sleepy.

Her three brothers watched her, their gazes gentle and tender.